exploratory operation

operation

 [op″er-a´shun]

1. any action performed with instruments or by the hands of a surgeon; see also method, procedure, surgery, and technique. For specific operations, see the specific name, such as blalock-taussig operation.

2. the performance of a mental or physical task in an orderly manner.

cosmetic operation one intended to remove or correct a deformity in an esthetically acceptable manner.

exploratory operation incision into the body for determination of the cause of otherwise unexplainable symptoms.

flap operation any operation involving the raising of a flap of tissue.

intellectual o's in space the mental manipulation of spatial relationships, a cognitive performance component of occupational therapy.

radical operation one involving extensive resection of tissues for the complete extirpation of disease.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.